British & Irish Lions lock Simon Shaw has been banned for two weeks after being found guilty of dangerous play by a disciplinary panel.

Shaw was cited for striking South Africa scrum-half Fourie du Preez with his knee in the first-half of the Lions' 28-9 third Test victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The Wasps second-row was yellow-carded for the incident, which forced du Preez from the field, but citing officer Steve Hinds believed the offence required further investigation by the panel.

Shaw has been banned until midnight on August 22, meaning that he will be free to start the season with Wasps against Harlequins at the London Double Header on September 5.

Shaw's ban comes after the IRB confirmed an investigation in to the white armbands worn by South Africa during the third Test to signal a silent protest at the suspension of lock Bakkies Botha. Botha was banned for clearing out Lions prop Adam Jones, who suffered a dislocated shoulder that will rule him out for up to six months, a decision that drew consternation from the Springboks and Lions management.

"The IRB is looking to establish all the relevant facts before making any further comment," said a spokesman.

The South Africa Rugby Players Association has backed the players, chief executive Piet Heymans saying: "The inconsistency has upset the players, and they felt very strongly that they must take a firm stance and show their unhappiness with the application of the relevant law.

"We will be consulting with our legal team next week to consider all our legal options available to assist Bakkies Botha and provide him with a sense of justice."